Nathaniel A. Ayers Foundation to Help the Artistically Gifted Mentally Ill

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - May 6, 2009) - The new film "The Soloist," chronicles the friendship between a newspaper columnist and Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a gifted yet homeless street musician with schizophrenia. Now, Ayers' family has established a nonprofit foundation to help others like him.

Ayers' sister, Jennifer Ayers-Moore, founded the Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Foundation for the Artistically Gifted Mentally Ill last year to fulfill their mother's dream of having a group that reaches out to the mentally ill and their caregivers.

"When we were growing up there wasn't much information about mental illness," said Ayers-Moore. "I remember my mom scrambling to get help, but there wasn't a lot of support like there is now. Also, music has a wonderful power to give a moment of peace, and those moments of peace can help soothe and reconnect families who have been disconnected by mental illness."

The foundation's goals include raising awareness of how artistic expression contributes to the advancement of mental health wellness and treatment. It will also collaborate with mental health and arts organizations to identify and exhibit the work of the artistically gifted. The foundation plans to begin artist in residence, education and advocacy programs; it will also schedule lectures and workshops and establish a Stop Stigma program to increase understanding of mental illness.

Through the support of partners such as The California Endowment and The Annenberg Foundation, the Ayers Foundation is a strong advocate for increasing understanding of mental illness, and using the full power of the arts to positively impact the mentally challenged. It is gearing up to offer services in Atlanta, where it's based, as well as in Los Angeles and Cleveland. Law firm Morris, Manning & Martin is donating office space, legal counsel and other services to the organization.

"Mental illness affects everyone," says Executive Director Ted Sapp. "We want people to understand that donating to this cause, no matter how small the donation, can have a big impact on the mentally ill and their families."

"The Soloist," based on columns written by Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez, stars Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr. and Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx.

To contact the organization, or to donate, visit www.naayers.org. You can also follow the organization on Facebook, and on Twitter at @naayers.

Contact Information: Media contact: Terri Thornton 404-932-4347